Advance Your Career: DHS Emergency Management Specialist Joint Duty Assignment

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering a unique career-defining opportunity for current federal employees. As part of the Joint Duty Program (JDP), the agency is recruiting for Emergency Management Specialists to serve a one-year, non-reimbursable detail within the Office of the Secretary. This role is perfect for leaders looking to broaden their operational perspective, gain exposure to high-level decision-making, and contribute to the nation’s safety and resilience.

Job Responsibilities

In this capacity, you will report directly to the Continuity Operations Chief. Key responsibilities include:

Continuity Support: Managing activities that ensure the DHS Secretary and Deputy Secretary can fulfill their duties during emergencies.
Risk Reporting: Identifying and analyzing potential threats to departmental continuity.
Stakeholder Liaison: Coordinating readiness efforts across various mission partners.
Situational Awareness: Briefing senior leadership on operational status and evolving hazards.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-sensitivity role, candidates must:

Hold a TS/SCI security clearance.
Be a full-time federal employee (GS-13/14 equivalent).
Submit an approved DHS Form 250-02.
Demonstrate proficiency in crisis management and operational briefing.

Salary Overview

The role offers a highly competitive salary range reflecting the seniority of the positions:

Position Level	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-13 to GS-14	$121,785 - $187,093

Benefits

Participants in the JDP maintain their current federal employee status and benefits. The true value lies in the career acceleration, networking, and the acquisition of high-level competencies required for future leadership roles within the federal sector.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Describe your duties using concrete examples of how you mitigated risks.
Documentation: Your SF-50 is critical; ensure it is the official version showing your grade and step.
Supervisor Buy-in: Start the conversation with your current manager early to secure the required signatures on the JDA form.

This Joint Duty Assignment is an excellent way to impact national security while refining your professional skills. If you are a federal employee ready for a challenge, submit your application today and prepare to contribute to the mission at the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security.

Why This Emergency Management Specialist Job Matters

Elevate your federal career with a high-impact, one-year Joint Duty Assignment at the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Secretary.

Emergency Management Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking experienced federal professionals for a 1-year non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) as an Emergency Management Specialist. This program is designed to facilitate cross-component collaboration, allowing current federal employees to gain multi-faceted experience in critical departmental operations. Selected individuals will play a vital role in continuity planning, executive-level briefings, and mission-essential situational awareness, working directly under the Continuity Operations Chief.

Requirements for Emergency Management Specialist

Must be a current, full-time federal employee.
Must hold a TS/SCI security clearance.
Experience in analyzing, assessing, and reporting critical information for situational awareness.
Experience in emergency communications coordination and alert/notification processes.
Proven ability to operate within heightened risk and critical-sensitive environments.
Background in developing, implementing, and evaluating continuity of operations or crisis management programs.
Demonstrated ability to brief senior leadership on program status and operational readiness.
Supervisory approval form (DHS Form 250-02) is mandatory for application.

Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Management Specialist

Expertise in Cyber Security or Critical Infrastructure Security frameworks.
Advanced skills in conducting deep-dive research to produce comprehensive situational awareness assessments.
Experience supporting executive-level response efforts during real-world incidents.
Strong proficiency in collaborating across inter-agency and DHS components.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Professional development through high-level inter-agency collaboration.
✓Exposure to cross-cutting DHS and Federal-wide operations.
✓Opportunity to work on high-stakes continuity programs and leadership succession planning.
✓Standard federal employee benefits continue through the home agency.

💡 How to Apply Emergency Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Emergency Management Specialist Job

Ensure your resume reflects detailed work history including job title, series, grade, agency name, supervisor contact info, and clear dates of service.
Obtain and sign the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form (DHS Form 250-02) with your current supervisor.
Log in to your USAJOBS account and complete the online questionnaire.
Upload your resume, SF-50, and signed JDA application form.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of November 5, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not include PII such as home address, SSN, or date of birth on your resume.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your tenure, grade, and step to avoid disqualification.
Resumes are reviewed every 30 days; early application is encouraged.
Be specific with your duties; HR will not make assumptions regarding your background based on job titles alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a 1-year non-reimbursable detail/Joint Duty Assignment. It does not qualify for Joint Duty credit or offer temporary promotions.

Am I eligible to apply if I am a contractor?

No, the DHS Joint Duty Program is limited to current full-time federal employees at the GS-12 through GS-15 grade levels.

Can I telework in this position?

Telework eligibility is determined by the specific needs of the office and may be subject to change during the assignment.

Job from Department Of Homeland Security - Agency Wide

DHS is at the forefront of national security, working to prevent terrorism, secure borders, and manage the nation's response to crises. The Joint Duty Program is a strategic initiative managed by the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), designed to break down siloes between components and outside agencies. By participating, you will gain experience that enhances your performance and provides a deeper understanding of federal-wide operations.